15/05/2015 20:42
Slovenia cause sensation with big win over reigning European champions Russia
2015 FIVB U21 Men Volleyball World Championship - European Qualification
Nova Gorica, Slovenia, May 15, 2015. On Friday the hosts of Slovenia caused a real sensation in Nova Gorica as they stormed to a 3:0 victory (25-20, 25-21, 26-24) over reigning European champions Russia as they are attempting to make it to this year’s FIVB Volleyball Men’s U21 World Championship to further cement their rise to the international elite. Earlier in the afternoon, Germany claimed the opening match of the second round qualification tournament – Pool H for this year’s FIVB Volleyball Men’s U21 World Championship as they cruised to a 3:0 victory over the young ‘Red Dragons’ of Belgium (25-18, 25-17, 25-21). Though the final score may suggest the game was one-sided, in reality it was a very intense match packed with great actions.
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Belgium vs. Germany 0:3 (18-25, 17-21, 21-25)
Germany started the match by immediately imposing their tempo and by combining excellent serving with effective attacks and a solid defence they quickly claimed a nine-point lead at the second technical time-out and this was enough to comfortably win the first set by 25-18. The start of the second set was a lot closer with the score remaining tight up to 10 all. After that, Germany changed gear and Belgium could no longer stand their prowess and effectiveness in attack, with the Germans finishing it with an ace. The third set followed a similar plot with the only difference being its much closer ending. This time around Belgium could close their gap to three points at 24:21 but did never pose a real threat to the Germans who cashed their first victory in the tournament in three, straight sets.
Slovenia vs. Russia 3:0 (25-20, 25-21, 26-24)
It looked like a mission impossible but in the end the home heroes of Slovenia caused a sensation to start their home campaign in Nova Gorica as they upset reigning European champions Russia by cruising to a 3:0 victory. The tension could be felt on both sides of the net as the match got underway on Friday night but Slovenia claimed an early lead and surprisingly could hold on to it all the way through to the end. The home side started the second set well too and claimed a five-point lead. Russia reduced their deficit down to three but the Slovenian team continued to display a splendid performance in all fundamentals to take the second set home. Russia dominated the scene in set 3 leading by 16:9 at the second technical time-out. However, Slovenia did not give in and after storming back to level at 24 all, they scored the next two to get the party started with their fans for the real sensation of the day.
Russia’s coach Vladimir Nikitin said: “My team was very nervous and many of these guys played for the first time with the national team and this match marked their debut in a competition of this level. Moreover, I think that the expectations were really high and they felt the pressure. After this setback, I hope they can relax as I know they have much more to show than they did tonight and I am confident that they will be playing better for the remainder of the weekend.”
Slovenia’s outside spiker Jure Okroglic said: “Even though we won in three sets, the match was not easy at all. We are happy with this victory but now we have to regroup and focus on the next matches coming up this weekend.”
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